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And since all this loveliness can not be Heaven, I know in my heart it is June. ~Abba Woolson

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News and Views from the Centre for Christian Studies

June 26, 2019

Hi <<First Name>> !  
Solstice has passed, turning us toward summer. Grab a cold drink and relax. We've got gardens, graduates and a small bit of a mystery in this issue. Enjoy!

We'll be taking a break in July and will see you back in August. 
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from the principal's desk. . .

One morning last week when I joined the Learning on Purpose students, we had a gratitude check in. I love listening to the responses around the circle – big and small blessings, immediate ones and more long term. It’s a great way to get to know each other a little more deeply, and there is gracious spaciousness in the latitude for how personal an answer we offer. I also appreciate starting the day from a place of gratitude. I shared how grateful I am to have acquired an allotment garden this year – I have deeply missed having my own garden since moving to Manitoba, and I love having my hands back in the dirt.

My allotment is probably twice (and maybe four times) as big as any vegetable garden I’ve had in the past. It’s a blessing of spaciousness. But I’ve gardened long enough to know that the blessing of small gardens includes manageability. When I started at the allotment (late, when the weeds really had had a chance to take root and take hold), I thought “I’m glad I’m not a beginner gardener, because this could easily be overwhelming”. And it’s true, I’m not a beginner at gardening. But It’s been 20 years since I gardened in soil that was more clay than sand, I’ve never had a garden big enough to weed by hoeing, and I’ve never had to haul my own water! It’s very different from my shady southern Ontario perennial gardens of hostas, fern and heuchera, with an herb garden and a pocket of veggies.

I do think that stretching outside our familiar skills and landscapes is essential to our continued growth – this is foundational to our understanding and practice of adult learning here at the Centre. Packing up what we know and carrying it to a new place and new set of challenges is the beginning of learning. And as I was immersed in the very physically concrete experience of weeding with a hoe, I had lots of time to reflect! I noticed I was sore enough to need to pace myself with breaks and hydration. I noticed how diverse the community of gardeners is, in our set of plots nestled along the Assiniboine. I noticed (as always with weeding), that challenges that seem insurmountable can be tackled one small patch at a time. I noticed how much I thought about family; about memories of generations of gardeners, my parents and grandparents and great grandparents. I thought about the ways that garden design and habits and skills are cultural and transmitted through families. About the loss of indigenous gardening practices, and the gardens that once existed in Garden Hill and along the Colorado River.  About how no one in my family would go hungry if my garden failed. About hiring someone to rototill the garden next season, if I make it through this one.

There was a lot of weeding, and a lot of time for thinking.

I thought about how good it is for me, as an educator, as the Principal of the Centre, to be uncomfortable and frustrated as a gardener. I remember the challenge and discomfort of being a student myself, of stretching into new situations, trying new skills, using tools handed down generation to generation, and adapting them to a new context. I see our students courageously stretching: in both their actions and their reflecting on what they are learning.

After the weeding was finally done, I planted a row of nasturtiums as my reward. Nasturtiums remind me of my grandmother’s garden, and I always plant them in mine. I’m grateful for the hopefulness of the act of planting them, for the act of co-creation with the Creator. I wonder what you are grateful for?

On the CCS Website...

(click a title to read the whole article)
 

Images from
Learning on Purpose
2019

Language of the land

Language that whispers and honours, and language that oppresses. On a visit to Grassy Narrows, Karen Orlandi learns the power of language and how we use our words. 

"In a good way":
Learning at the Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre

At a learning circle at the Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre, Kim McNaughton learns about studying and ministering "In a good way."

Gather and celebrate: DUCCs across the country

Commissionings, gatherings and a cross country class.

Thank you for doubling the joy!

The DOUBLE THE JOY project was a BIG success, thanks to YOU!

You gave $13,115
Together with $13,115 in matching funds
$26,230 is available to create online learning circles at CCS!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Watch for Power and Privilege, scheduled for January 6 - March 2.

online learning

To donate today, click here or on the box below.

Donate

Who made this?

This tapestry was made for and presented to Kay Pearson when she retired from the Centre for Christian Studies. Kay worked in administration but was known for her warm hospitality.

A parcel with the tapestry arrived here at CCS this autumn. There's a little mystery in this. The sender did not include a note. The maker of the tapestry is not identified.

Do you know who made this tapestry? Please drop us a note. And the next time you're in Winnipeg, you'll see it in the KP Room. 

CCS Community

Coming November 3. Save the date for CCS Sunday. Watch for resources, available in September.

"What is Precious in Life"

Kimiko Karpoff reflects on embracing both joy and sorrow after the death of her spouse. In the June issue of Broadview Magazine.

 

Do you believe in God?

Alison Brooks-Starks questions the "God question" asked at commissioning and ordination, and the exclusiveness of the Trinitarian language. In the June issue of Broadview Magazine.

The Spirituality of fandom: update

An update into Tracy Robertson's dive into the spirituality found in Comic Expos, Furries, cosplay, and other fandoms.

Learn with CCS in 2019-2020

Do you want to deepen your skills or explore your call to ministry? Do you know someone who would benefit from learning in community at the Centre for Christian Studies?  Has it been a long time since you were part of a learning circle?  Check out what we're offering this year.

Our CCS community is our best promoter.  Talk us up to your friends.  Tap some shoulders.  If you need promotional materials, let us know.  If you're interested for yourself, give us a call.

Opportunities

Register today!
Respecting Covenant, Risking the Journey of Reconciliation
August 14 - 20, 2019, Vancouver: 14th DOTAC Conference 

DIAKONIA of the Americas and Caribbean. We will be invited to listen to perspectives from diverse cultural voices and social locations. During the conference, we will be challenged to engage in thoughtful reflection, intellectural stimulation, spiritual depth and prophetic witness through: worship, Bible study, workshops, site visits, small group conversation and exploration of the local area. Children's Program available. Information and registration here.
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